For many of us, mornings are a busy time. Getting ready, getting the kids ready, grabbing a bite to eat, and getting out the door to start the day is often a rushed process. However, one step that should never be skipped is completing your morning skincare routine.
While nighttime skincare is incredibly important, morning skincare is just as crucial. Your skin endures a lot each day. Sweat, pollution, and dirt can all have a direct effect on your skin so it is important that you look after and protect your skin both morning and night.
Luckily, a morning skincare routine doesn’t have to be overly complicated. By setting aside just a few minutes each morning, you can have a significant impact on the health of your skin. Keep reading to learn all about the importance of a morning skin ritual, as well as a step-by-step guide to healthy, glowing skin.
Why a morning skincare routine is so vital
A nighttime skincare routine is often designed to address specific needs of the skin while it regenerates overnight, whether it be dryness, aging, acne, or sensitivity. A morning skincare routine, however, can help to protect and preserve the skin throughout the day.
Skipping your morning skincare routine has the potential to cause a variety of issues, such as clogged pores, acne, and leaving the skin more susceptible to damage caused by pollution. Over time, all of these factors can lead to premature aging and a dull complexion.
Think of it this way—a nighttime and morning skincare routine work together as a team, helping to protect and nourish the skin at all times. One without the other isn’t nearly as effective. Here are some specific reasons why a morning routine is so vital:
Remove impurities from the skin: Cleansing your face in the morning helps to remove any dead skin cells, toxins, or oil that your skin has produced overnight. It also preps the skin and helps with the absorption of the products applied after.
Hydration: Oftentimes, our skin tends to become dry overnight. This is especially the case in cold and dry climates. So, in the morning, it’s important to replenish the moisture levels of the skin. In addition to providing a protective layer, this will help to keep the skin soft and supple while preventing signs of aging.
A Step-by-Step Morning Routine
A skincare routine can easily be 10+ steps, but realistically, most of us don’t have time for an extravagant regimen in the morning. As long as you’re cleansing, hydrating, and protecting your skin, you’ll be ready to take on the day ahead.
One thing to keep in mind when it comes to morning skincare, or any skincare routine for that matter, is that the order in which you apply your products matters. This will help to ensure that each product is fully absorbed into the skin and can provide the most benefits.
Here’s a quick four-step routine that can be completed in around 3-10 minutes, depending on how in-depth you want to go.
1. CLEANSE
When it comes to cleansing, it’s best to choose a cleanser that works for your specific skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, an aloe vera-based cleanser may be best. If you have dry skin, however, you may benefit from an oil-based cleanser. This step will help to remove leftover product from the night before as well as anything your skin brought to the surface overnight.
If you have sensitive skin or find that cleansing in the morning tends to dry your skin out, try washing your face with just water. In most cases, this will be all you need to cleanse your face in the AM (especially if you cleansed at night).
2. TONE
Toners aren’t always a must, but they’re an amazing way to replenish the skin and target specific concerns, such as dryness, dullness, or acne. They also help to remove dead skin cells or residue that may be left behind from cleansing. To apply, simply put a little bit of product on a cotton pad and sweep it across the skin in an outward motion, or spritz directly onto face and allow time to air dry.
3. SERUM (OPTIONAL)
Another optional step in a morning skincare routine is applying serum. This is a great way to add an extra boost of hydration to the skin before going in with a moisturizer. There are plenty of different serums out there, some of the most popular being hyaluronic acid and vitamin C serums.
Hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate and plump the skin and is best when applied to damp skin. Vitamin C, on the other hand, is known for brightening and evening skin tone, while also hydrating the skin. To apply a serum, simply add a few drops to your hands and gently press the product into your face and neck area. Be sure to allow the serum to fully absorb into your skin before moving on to the next step.
4. MOISTURIZER
Applying moisturizer in the morning is essential, no matter your skin type. A good moisturizer will help to keep the skin soft and supple throughout the day, and it will also provide a protective barrier for the skin.
If you have oily skin, you may want to choose a lightweight formula, such as a gel cream. If your skin is on the dry side, you may benefit from a thicker cream.
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